Oh dear, my Hazel isn’t going according to plan and my blatant inexperience of dress making means I’m not sure why. It seems that a size 2 is also too big, even though I measure a 34 chest, perhaps I have a narrow back or perhaps my sad lady bumps are the wrong shape? I just can’t fathom it!
You might notice that this isn’t my toile. Having (thought I’d) mastered it, I impatiently started on this brand new Ikea duvet cover (still in it’s packaging!) that I found in a charity shop – £5 for a double cover and two pillow cases, 100% cotton, so many projects! (I wisely thought that it wouldn’t be so bad if this went wrong rather than my ruin my somewhat more expensive Clothkits fabric).
So today, despite a long list of other important jobs to do, I am going to unpick this and try again. It’s a shame because I am very happy with other elements of the dress like my pockets, the invisible zip (yes, I know I was silly to put it in before trying it on!!!) and the point at the front of the bodice is rather spot on too.
I’m learning such a lot doing this dress and despite it going a little bit wrong, I’m enjoying the process immensely. The Colette instructions are great and I love having the Coletterie website to refer to for further tutorials (the invisible zip one is very helpful). There’s nothing like a good puzzle to sort out and it’s all experience so I’m remaining positive.
Hopefully I’ll soon be able to post the finished Hazel and fingers crossed this unexpected warm weather will mean I can wear it too!
sylkotwist 
Don’t despair! I took at least 2 inches out of the back and angled in the side seams at the top. I also had to move the straps in.
Thank you! I’ve almost finished it now, just not sure I like it after all the unpicking! Felt like putting it in the bin last night but it’s not so bad after a good nights sleep! I like the pleats on your Hazel, they look more sophisticated than my school girl gathers!
My mother always used to tell me that some times it’s best to put things away and come back later – I’m finding that very true with sewing. Sometimes a few days break from a tricky project is enough to overcome the hurdles when you return to it.
The other good thing to do is – make something you know will work – it boosts your confidence and that helps tackle the tricker patterns.